Stiff shoulders from biking

[Egert]

I've taken up on biking a bit more seriously for the last 1-2 weeks, doing roughly 3-4 times a week, ca 40km each time and not on the road, but cross (XC). Now, I've experienced some stiffness in my shoulders, between my shoulders and some in my lower back.

Logical reason is that my saddle is probably too low or too high - which?

Or is there any other reason for this?

 

[bigbjorn]

Weak abdominal and back muscles. Potentially your bars are too low.

 

[imageWIS]

1) Check saddle height AND saddle pitch
2) Check to see if your riding position is incorrect, i.e. where are you placing your hands?

If need be, take your bike to a reputable dealer and have them adjust the bike to your body / riding style (assuming the bike was purchased correctly, with the frame size matching your body size).

 

[BoomDiggs]

Originally Posted by bigbjorn

Weak abdominal and back muscles. Potentially your bars are too low.

My core was my problem. I just focused more on using my abs and back to hold myself, instead of leaning on the bars, and it made a world of difference.

Next time you ride, take note of how much weight your are putting on your hands. If it is more than very little, you need to use your core more.